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Summer living is peachy keen!

Nicholas Polanin
7:03 p.m. EDT July 16, 2014

Sentry is the main yellow-fleshed, Jersey Fresh peach variety, now available in markets throughout the state. Other yellow-fleshed varieties are Glenglo, Flamin Fury PF 7, Rubyprince, Garnet Beauty and Flamin Fury Early 8 Ball.(Photo: PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.JERSEYPEACHES.COM)

Jersey Grown peaches are at the top of everyone’s list as one of the most beloved fruits of summer. But did you know that our peach season is from July through September and that the Garden State stands fourth nationally in the production of peaches, after California, South Carolina and Georgia?

New Jersey’s entire peach crop is sold to the fresh market via supermarkets, farm markets, specialty produce stores, U-pick operations and community farmers markets. New Jersey’s peaches are all picked by hand and are shipped all over the eastern US and eastern Canada.

Peach production in New Jersey dates back to the early 1600s. The peach was the first fruit to receive attention commercially and it was reported in 1683 that peaches were available in New York by the wagonloads from New Jersey orchards.

By the mid 1800s, the fruit industry was receiving considerable attention and the entire state was known for its abundance and quality of peaches. Production reached sufficient quantities to ship more than 500,000 bushels to New York markets by 1865.

In 1900, there were more than 4 million peach trees within Hunterdon County, then the major peach-growing region of the state.

Before a suitable control could be found, a major infestation of San Jose scale nearly wiped out the industry in the early 20th century

Today, New Jersey has less than 2 million peach trees. However, the industry has for several years been recovering vigorously. New varieties of peaches and nectarines are extending the season both early and late. New Jersey soils and climate are also ideal for maximum production of quality peaches.

The southern district of the state — Gloucester, Cumberland, Camden, Atlantic and Salem counties — is the state’s major growing area.

Gloucester County has the state’s most peach trees, and hosts the annual New Jersey Peach Festival every July, but peach orchards can be found throughout New Jersey.

For a complete listing of farms that provide pick-your-own tree fruit harvesting experiences throughout New Jersey, visit http://jerseyfresh.nj.gov/find/pickyourown.html.

“Peach production continues to be a challenge in New Jersey with a wide variety of pests, high production and labor costs, irregular weather patterns, and vigorous competition from other peach-producing areas,” said Jerry Frecon, retired Gloucester County Agricultural Agent for Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “In spite of these obstacles, New Jersey remains a great place to grow and provide consumers high quality flavorful peaches.”

And those peaches are plentiful and waiting for you at farmers markets.

Today there are more than 145 farmers markets operating statewide in communities both large and small.

Garden State farmers markets offer residents the opportunity to enjoy freshly-picked, Jersey Fresh produce directly from New Jersey farmers, while supporting the state’s agricultural industry and their local economies at the same time.

For complete information on locations, days and hours of community farmers markets throughout New Jersey, visit http://jerseyfresh.nj.gov/find/community.html.

Farmers at many markets throughout the state participate in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides $20 vouchers for the purchase of locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program administered by the State Department of Health and Senior Services gives these vouchers to qualifying individuals, which are valid through Nov. 30.

In addition, some farmers can accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program EBT cards, through use of wireless transponders, through the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

For more information on the WIC and Senior FMNP, visit: www.state.nj.us/agriculture/

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Picnic invites you to farm

The Somerset County Board of Agriculture has announced its annual Scholarship Picnic, hosted once again by Madden Farms, on July 26 in Franklin. From 4:30 to 8:30 Saturday afternoon and evening, this picnic takes place annually in celebration of the life of Thomas Everett, and its proceeds go to fund the board’s scholarship program, named in his memory.

Returning this year providing live music will be Due South. The picnic features all Jersey Fresh, Somerset County-grown-and-raised produce and farm products.

This annual scholarship was created to honor Everett’s personal and agricultural legacy, his initiative and leadership, and seeks to recognize those individuals whose goals are synonymous with his living definition of success.